ART OF THE BASKET - Traditional Basketry from Around the World

Now this is a gorgeous book. Page after page of beautiful photographs of baskets, basket details, basketmakers from the past and today, from around the world. Baskets are arranged by chapter headings (materials, techniques, decoration, cradle to the grave, world at your fingertips), rather than by geographic area, making for a dramatic presentation of similarities and subtle differences. The test is succinct yet filled with bits of information that is fascinating. For example: "Frame baskets... are constructed with a framework made from a set of hoops of diminishing size which meet at the handle. They are so strong that in medieval Europe they were used for hoisting building materials up scaffolding." 833 illustrations, 697 in full color. 216 pages.